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四天前，我才陪同阿扁總統出國訪問返抵台灣，此行十三天計訪問美國、瓜地馬拉、多明尼加、尼加拉瓜、聖克裡斯多福、聖文森、阿拉伯聯合大公國及印尼等八個國家，飛行四萬九千公里；阿扁總統說，這是「鐵人熊貓十三天環球之旅」，一點也不誇張。藉此機會，我也要向上述國家熱情的接待表示最大的謝意。
隨著總統出訪，我更能深刻瞭解，台灣的外交困境很多，但能突破的也不少。今年七月，我到美國訪問七天，分別與政府官員、智庫學者、政黨領袖會面，我當時一再與美國友人強調，國際社會雖然常常拒絕台灣，但台灣並沒有自絕於世界。台灣人民雖然厭惡政治上的口水戰，但民主自由卻是台灣能立足於世界最寶貴的資產，當然，這也是對抗中國最有效的武器。
最近幾年來，隨著我國勞工政策的改變及戶籍制度的開放，台灣已逐漸轉型為一個多元族群的國際社會。根據統計，至今年六月底，在台居留外籍人士有51萬3千人之多，至於已入籍或正辦理中的外籍配偶，則已達35萬7千人，幾乎與台灣的原住民人口相當。
為了因應多元族群社會的形成，本黨在工作上也做了若干調整，譬如族群部今年特別以「外省族群」為重點，婦女部則以「外籍配偶」為重心，不但舉辦紀錄片觀賞、研討會、徵文比賽，也針對相關法規、政策進行檢討，希望能對各種不同族群，包括外籍人士，提供更周延完善的服務與照顧。
今年酒會我們邀請到的表演團體，也是優秀的原住民歌手，他們將演唱一系列台灣及原民歌謠，讓各位見證台灣的活力與多元。在此也要預告，本月12日至14日，亞洲民主自由聯盟(CALD)將在台北舉辦年會，針對婦女參政議題進行研討，由民進黨國際部與婦女部主辦，屆時將有來自世界各國的政黨領袖代表與會，本人特別要代表本黨敬邀各位與會，並提供寶貴意見。
民進黨已經十九歲了，再度感謝各位的支持，也感謝各國的協助，讓台灣能繼續在世界舞台發光發熱！我要舉杯向各位致謝，感謝各位對台灣的支持與友誼，並祝福各位身體健康、萬事如意。
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Chairman Su Tseng-chang Keynote Speech at the DPP’s 19th Anniversary
Dear Chief Representative of the Diplomatic Corps, Dear Ambassadors, Dear Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Afternoon!
I returned four days ago from a 13-day trip with President Chen. We visited eight different countries, including: the United States of America; the Republics of Guatemala, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua; the Federation of St. Kittis & Nevis; St. Vincent & the Grenadines; the United Arab Emirates; and the Republic of Indonesia. After traveling 49 thousand miles, President Chen told us jokingly that this is an around-the-world trip that is only meant for an iron-man and a panda. This is no exaggeration because you need iron physical strength in order to survive this trip. And along the whole trip, we looked like pandas because we all carried black circles under our eyes.
It was during this trip that I felt even more deeply the diplomatic impasse that Taiwan faces. However, I also realized: there are so many breakthroughs that we can achieve. In one week during July of this year, I had the opportunity to travel to the United States, and had the chance to visit government officials, think tanks and political party leaders. I reiterated to our American friends that the international society may oftentimes reject Taiwan, but Taiwan has never stopped its efforts to integrate with the world. Even though the people in Taiwan dislike political polarization and meaningless political rhetorics, they continue to have faith in our freedom and democracy, and continue to believe that they are the best weapon to resist China’s threat.
In recent years, due to adjustments in our labor policies and the naturalization system, Taiwan has gradually transformed into a diverse ethnic society. According to statistics, the number of residents in Taiwan with foreign nationalities amounts to 513,000 and the number of foreign spouses that acquired, or is in the process of applying for Taiwanese citizenship, has reached to 357,000 – a number roughly equal to the aboriginal population in Taiwan.
The DPP has taken measures to cope with the forming of our ethnically diverse society. For example, the DPP’s Department of Ethnic Affairs has turned its main focus on the mainlander population in the year 2005. The Department of Women’s Development has laid a special emphasis on foreign spouses, by organizing many activities like: screening of documentaries, organizing seminars, and throwing essay contests. We have also reviewed related regulations and crafted policies to ensure that different ethnic groups—including foreigners—enjoy equal welfare.
Later in the reception, we will have the pleasure to invite a famous aboriginal band. They will sing a series of songs that relate to the A-Mei Tribe in Taiwan. You will have the chance to appreciate through them, Taiwan’s diversity and vitality.
Next week, from October 12 to 14, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) will hold their general assembly in Taipei, as well as a conference on the topic of 「Advancing Women in Politics」, an event hosted by the DPP’s Department of International Affairs with the Department of Women’s Development. At this conference, leaders of political parties from all over the world will be present. On behalf of the Democratic Progressive Party, I cordially invite you to attend the conference and exchange your opinion with us.
The DPP is already 19 years old, and is immensely grateful to your support along the road. Please continue to help Taiwan glow in the global stage!
Allow me to propose a toast to express my sincere appreciation for your friendship and to the health and happiness to all of you! Cheers!
